Aftermath24 Wendy Simpson Wendy Simpson 2 238 2001-10-25T10:41:00Z 2001-10-25T10:41:00Z 24 8671 49427 n/a 411 98 60699 9.2720

CHAPTER 24

EMPTINESS

The present

When Raven regained consciousness, he noticed two things immediately.  One, he had somehow made it to the detention cabin and two someone had treated his wounds.  Of course, he didn't take long to figure out who was responsible for his present condition.  The question was where was Enzo Matrix?

It took him time to gain his feet – even more so before his balance returned.  His vision blurred and doubled, but finally came into shaky focus.

Raven stumbled from within the room, and proceeded up front.  The windows were smashed, not too badly and the interior damage was minor. The wing of course was a major problem but besides that the Nevermore was in good shape.

"Enzo?"  Raven called, when he heard no sound besides the wind and the birdsong.  Probably hightailed it out of here.  But would he risk the forest alone?  With Flame obviously searching for them.

"I must have hit my head harder than I thought," Raven muttered to himself, "I'm not thinking clearly.  Why am I alive?"

Well the obvious answer was because of Enzo, but if Flame had found him, he'd be deleted.  Even having Enzo, she still wouldn't have left him alive.  Raven hurried to the hold, cringed at the sight of the open door and zip-boarded down to the ground.  Evidence of several people met his gaze.  There were no tracks beyond the clearing, which meant that they had used rocket cycles or zip boards.  They had been here. Had Enzo merely left him and ran?  No. But even if Enzo had run, it still couldn't explain why Flame hadn't deleted him.

Raven returned to the ship and re-entered.  Further searching found the medical supplies, some missing.  He returned to the cabin and as he entered, something glinting under the bed caught his eye.

Raven knelt down and withdrew the item.  It was the remains of a shattered globe. 

Raven stared at the thing in his hand, knowing what it was, and not quite believing what he was seeing.  The mercenary sat down heavily on the bed and turned the thing in his hand.  It gave him all the answers he needed.

It was a hidden file command.

Raven continued to stare at it, "Damn you, Enzo Matrix."  He whispered after a time, "Damn you for being so noble."

Raven crushed the thing in his hands.  He had a lot to do and he couldn't sit around worrying about some self-sacrificing pixel-brain.  Enzo Matrix had made this decision on his own.  He had to get Nevermore repaired and get out of here before Flame returned, which he knew she would, to steal what she could.  Enzo had probably told them he had deleted from his injuries.  It was the perfect cover.  As far as anyone knew, the Raven was dead.  He planned to use that to his advantage.

First things, first.  He found his rocket cycle in the hold.  It had overturned but started immediately.  The mining colony wasn't too far away; he could pick up supplies there.  Information as well, since Flame had probably stopped there to get help.  Hopefully, they wouldn't still be there, but Raven figured Flame would want to get Enzo to System 998 immediately.  Raven shook off the stab of unaccustomed guilt as he piloted his cycle out.

He arrived at the colony in a half-millisecond and stealthily moved about.  Night was coming on, so he had no trouble.  A few discreet inquiries and he found out that Flame had been there, not to mention hiring her thugs there as well and she had taken off fifteen nano's before Raven had arrived.

There was little he could do in the darkness, so he purchased his supplies and made arrangements to have the Nevermore brought in for repair.  He'd do it himself, with the help of his onboard drones, but the parts he needed, especially to re-attach the wing if it were found, were here.

It was almost daybreak before he was finished, so instead of sleeping, he accompanied the salvage crew to the crash site.  The wing was found a few kilometers away, in surprisingly good condition.  The chief technician said Nevermore would be fixed in one cycle.  Raven gave them two seconds.

Once the repairs were made, he'd stick with his earlier plan and get to his nearest hideaway.  Enzo Matrix was no longer his problem and had definitely been more trouble than he was worth.  Again, came the unwelcome guilt.  Yes, he knew what awaited the young sprite on 998, but there was little he could do.  He'd done the job, Ran DeCrypt had what he wanted and Raven was under no obligation to do anymore.

Two seconds later, the Nevermore was almost ready.  The technician nervously informed Raven that she would be ready by 23:30.  The mercenary then sought out the nearest inn, got himself a room and fell into a deep sleep almost immediately.

And he began to dream.

Raven walked through a mist-shrouded nothing.  That was the only way he could describe it.  A red-gold fog surrounded him, clinging to his bare skin with icy tendrils that made him shiver.  The place terrified him and he hated feeling that way.

Suddenly, above him, flashes of lightening set the mist ablaze and with them came the muted rumble of thunder and a shape took form in the mist. Whatever it was had glistening red and gold scales, razor-sharp claws and glittering silver fangs.  When the transmutation was complete, Raven faced a fierce dragon.

He stared in mute horror at the thing, then in the next instant frowned in puzzlement when he got a closer look at the dragon's snout and saw a pair of horn-rimmed glasses perched there.  He would have laughed, had the dragon not turned glowing eyes on him and roared.  Raven was knocked clear off his feet and the dragon loomed over him.

"So!"  The dragon demanded in a booming voice that sounded oddly familiar, "You steal the lamb from the fold, then abandon him to the wolves!  This is the way you repay the sprite who saved your worthless life twice?"

The dragon breathed fire, "Coward!"

The single word brought Raven abruptly awake, his core-com slamming against his chest, his body covered in cold sweat.

Raven sat up on the side of the bed and held his face in his hands.  He rubbed his eyes and glanced at the wall clock: 23:31.

Raven expelled a breath, "You're not going to let me rest until I fix this, are you Old One?"

Raven stood and stretched.  Knowing what his next actions would bring down on him and not caring.  He had made a promise and intended to keep it.

***

Seven hours into the past

"Bob what are you doing?"  Matrix stood before his hero.  The renegade had never seen bloodlust in Bob's eyes before and it disturbed, almost scared him.

Bob seemed not to even hear Matrix, "Didn't you hear my order?  Delete them now!"

"Bob --," Matrix began again.

Over the com, the binome was screaming, "No, no, no!  All ships, fire now!"

"Move!"  Mouse was there beside him on her zip board. She wrapped one arm around his shoulders and pulled him back, he was barely able to stay on his own zip-board just as the air was lit on fire.

"No!  Wait, Bob!"

There were bursts of golden light intermingled with their own people returning fire, Bob blasted the enemy ships, while shielding himself with his power.  Mouse and Matrix somehow managed to make their way back to Ship, and once Mouse was behind the wheel, she immediately joined the fray.

"All guns, fire!"

"Where's Bob?"  Matrix had lost sight of him.

"There!"

Bob was now on a zip-board, bringing down transport, after transport, seeming obliviously to the peril he was in.

"We have to get him out of there!"

With precision skill, Mouse piloted Ship through the melee, firing more in defense then in challenge.  Despite that, Ship took several hits.  Much to Matrix's dismay, Mouse was forced to concentrate on fighting.  Matrix watched, anger boiling in his veins at his inability to fight.

"Well look-ee there," Mouse said and they saw the transport leaving the battle scene, "Three guesses who that is."

"I don't need to guess," Matrix muttered and they were in pursuit.

The transport flew in an erratic pattern and seemed to be losing speed and altitude.  Mouse hailed them, telling them to land immediately.  The binome radioed back, stating that they surrendered and would do as she said.  Mouse told them she'd follow them down.

A flash of light filled the cockpit from outside.  Both Matrix and Mouse gave a surprised exclamation. Matrix's vision cleared enough in time to see the ball of golden fire slam into the enemy transport obliterating it.

"What in the net --?"  Mouse asked, looking at him, "Did it explode?  What was that light?"

"I don't know," Matrix muttered, but then again he was almost certain he did.

***

"Damn!"  Chaos slammed his hand through the vid-window, shattering it.  Their forces had lost!  Fallen to the Prime Guardian!  What would Quicksilver do to him if he let Mainframe slip though his grasp?  And in the same thought, he knew very well what he would do.

"Sir, they're coming!"  A frantic sprite ran up to him.

"I see them, you bit-brain!"  Chaos said.  Blast this back-data system and their depleted resources.  Yet, despite that, they had managed yet again, to win.  What force of luck followed these Mainframers?  But he wasn't beaten yet.

"Signal, the Prime Guardian," Chaos said, "Tell him we have the Principal Office under our control and we'll destroy it if he doesn't surrender."

"But sir, we don't --,"

"Shut up and do what I tell you!"  Chaos said.  The fun and games were over.  If he lost now, he might as well hurl himself off of the walkway.  He was going to play every card until the last one was dealt.

***

"I said I was fine," Bob said.

"You're not fine, sugah," Mouse turned to Matrix, "Neither one of you are."

They had won the battle, but the war was still to be fought and the New Collective fighters had retreated to the CPU Office to regroup.  Mouse had noticed Matrix acting strangely ever since the transport was shot down and Bob –

"Honey, maybe you should stay here," Mouse said, she reached out and laid a gentle hand on his shoulder, "The troops are worried about --,"

Bob slapped her hand away, "Don't patronize me Mouse, I told you I was fine."

Mouse had had enough, acting totally out of anger and reflex, she slammed her forearm underneath Bob's chin.  The Prime Guardian went down.

"What in the net are you doing?"  Matrix demanded, advancing menacingly on Mouse, "You know he's sick!"

"I know he ordered the murder of innocent people!  He can't go on like this anymore, we're takin' him to Dr. Norton."

Matrix knelt beside Bob and grasped him by the shoulders.  "I won't let you.  He has to do this."

"What are you, basic?  Get off the testosterone renegade kick for a nano and look

at --,"

"Mouse, Matrix!"  Bob said in a quiet but authoritative voice.  "We have to stop."

It was then that all three sprites noticed the group of curious sprites and binomes that had gathered to watch with looks ranging from apprehension to disgust.

"We can't let them see us doing this," Bob said.

"You're right, sugah," Mouse knelt opposite Matrix and together they helped Bob up.  "I'm sorry."

Bob shook his head, then suddenly turned and strode away.  For a moment, Mouse thought he was still angry with her.  Distressed, she strode after him with Matrix following.  They caught up with him as he turned the corner of the CPU office, went to his knees and became violently sick.

"Oh no," Mouse was kneeling beside him, and began a gentle rubbing down his spine, "I'm sorry."

When his heaving quieted, Bob shook his head again, "Not your fault."

"Bob please go to the medical center."

"No."

"Damn your stubborn male pride."

Mouse rose, "Stay with him, I'll go talk to the troops."  She knew she was being a coward, but she couldn't stand to see him like this any longer.

***

As always, Matrix was there to help him up.  Bob managed to give his young friend a wan smile, "Sorry about – what I did – I don't know what happened --,"

Bob was embarrassed, angry with himself, and just plain terrified.  He no longer felt the pain just the last of his energy draining away and he knew he had little time.

"I think Mouse is right," Matrix said, "Can't I convince you to go?"

"You were right.  I have to do this.  I wish I could tell you why I acted the way I did."

"I understand, we can tell the troops you were bluffing."

"Thank you," Bob laid his head on Matrix's shoulder, and draw strength from his friend and for just a moment, the voices quieted.

***

"That was a good idea, telling the men Bob was bluffing," Mouse said.  She looked at Matrix, "Of course, that didn't explain the TIFF we had."

Matrix didn't reply and continued to stare grimly out of Ship's cockpit window.  The Principal Office was just coming into view.

"So, you wanna tell me what's going on with you and Bob?"

Matrix crossed his arms in a defensive gesture.

"Look sugah, if you know something --,"

"The transport didn't explode."

"I know, sugah.  It was Bob, wasn't it?"

Matrix sighed, "Yes."

"So what's wrong?"

He didn't want to say it, but he realized he may need Mouse's help, "It's like – almost as if he's – becoming Dariem again."

Mouse gaped at him then turned quickly away, "Dear User."

"I may need your help."

"You got it, sugah," Mouse stared critically at the control panel.  "Message coming in.  Looks like our enemy has seen us."

"Prime Guardian, I have been ordered to relay a message from our leader, Chaos."

"Can't Chaos speak for himself?"  Matrix muttered.

"You will surrender to the Chosen.  We have control of the Principal Office and if you don't do as we say it will be destroyed along with everyone in it."

Bob's voice, which sounded more like himself, came over the com, "How does Chaos purpose to do this?"

"We don't owe you any explanation!"  The voice replied, "Do what we say, or the Principal Office will be destroyed!"

"All forces, full stop," Bob said.  "What guarantee do I have that if we surrender, Chaos won't destroy it anyway?"

"You don't have any."

For a moment the airwaves were silent, "I have a proposition for Chaos.  To insure the safety of my people, I'll voluntarily surrender myself to him."

Matrix exchanged a glance with Mouse.  "Now doesn't that have a familiar ring?"  Mouse muttered.

"I hope you have a plan, Bob," Matrix said more to himself.

***

Everything was on fire.  Flames burning searing, flesh and bone melting.  Screaming voices and the acrid scent of charred things.

Then for a moment, Bob would be himself again. 

Other times it was cold, icy fingers, his breath frozen in his lungs and voices again, screaming, wailing, telling him to do things, like blow up that transport.

So, Bob mused, this is insanity.

He was fine, or as much as 'fine' could be.  He was coherent enough to realize that the probability of the Chosen having the means to destroy the P.O. was slim to none.  For a moment, the voices demanded he destroy his enemies and the fire started again, but Bob fought against it.

I wonder if that was how it had been for Hex?  I really should ask her.

He thought of Dot, and hoped she was watching this and with thoughts of Dot came an idea.  In fact, it was one of her more successful plans, although at the time, she had been somewhat vague in the telling.  Bob had a feeling there was more to it that she wasn't ready to tell him yet and he wouldn't force her, since he was pretty much doing the same thing.

So now he faced the army of the Chosen – if you could call it an army.  They outnumbered their enemies, even though it as by a slim margin.  Now that he had made his proposition, he only hoped he could do something.

Well it's finally coming back to haunt me.  Serves me right always acting on the fly, living on the edge.

"We have an answer from Chaos," the binome's voice came over the com, "He's waiting for you."

"Bob!"  As the Prime Guardian suspected, Matrix's voice through, "You can't go alone!"

"All forces hold your position.  Matrix, I'm putting you in charge."

"Bob --,"

"That's a direct order, cadet."

"Yes sir."

"Let me put my pilot down, and I'll follow you," Bob said, hoping he could pilot the blasted cycle himself.  After depositing the pilot on a rooftop, Bob slowly proceeded forward, a difficult task, since his symptoms chose that moment to make their presence known.  He was instructed to approach one of the transports, which opened its bay doors and Bob piloted the cycle inside.

He was greeted by two armed binomes and a young male sprite, "Prime Guardian, make yourself comfortable.  We'll take you to Chaos now."

Bob was just glad for a chance to sit down and get his thoughts together.  He practiced some breathing exercises Phong had taught him.  When the transport touched down, the doors were opened and Bob was escorted out.

Transports hovered in a loose circle around the dome.  The force field had been activated so Bob didn't worry about that.  Several hundred binomes divided into smaller contingents, were gathered on each of the walkways, but they weren't even worth noting compared to the sight of the living obsidian mass that Bob knew immediately were viral bugs. 

Then the unexpected happened.  Bob could not only see but also sense the bugs – he didn't know how or why.   There was a low hum in the back of his processor that he knew were their collective thought processes.  Words tumbled into Bob's mind – devour, destroy, multiply.  The three basic needs of these lower life forms.

"Move!"  A shove from behind brought him back to his present situation.

Bob nearly, fell but managed to catch himself.  Malicious laughter filled his ears.  The immediate urge to start deleting people flared to life, and Bob had to fight to suppress it.

He was led to the center of the camp, to where a transport stood its bay doors open and a small man with only one hand stepped out.  Bob knew who he was immediately.

"You don't look well at all Prime Guardian," Chaos smiled maliciously.  "Enjoying Quicksilver's little gift?"

"So it was him," Bob hissed, "And I'm betting all the units in the Super Computer that you were the one that Ray saw going into the portal the night he discovered the first murder victim."

Chaos laughed, "Guilty as charged."

The virus approached him, but Bob noticed not too close.  "I'm glad you're here.  I've wanted to meet the man who Daemon chose as her heir.  Not meaning to disrespect her, but she could have chosen better."

"Like you, you measly little null-face?"

One of the binomes guarding him, slammed the butt of his laser rifle into Bob's stomach and got an aching vibration up his arm for his trouble when the blow glanced off Bob's armor.  Bob stumbled but managed to right himself.

"It really is too bad you know.  Virogen has no cure you see.  You really should have followed your doctor's advice and stayed in bed.  Not that it would have done any good, only prolonged the inevitable."

"Virogen," Bob said, "So that's what's it really called."

"Yes," Chaos's face suddenly twisted with hate, "This had been a pleasant conversation, Prime Guardian, but I have more important things to do.  I want your unconditional surrender --,"

Bob closed his eyes, bowed his head and concentrated on the hum.  Chaos must have thought he was broken for the virus made no comment.

" – I want you to order your troops to land in a designated area --,"

He let it fill his processor, run along his nerves and flood his senses.

" – lower the shields and surrender the Principal Office --,"

For a nano he was caught up in the hive mentality – one is only a part of the whole – one didn't matter – then he fought and became that one voice that was on a higher level than the rest. 

Devour, destroy, -- Chosen.

Then the screaming began.

***

"I'm in, sugah," Mouse finished her hacking job and nodded with satisfaction when the vid-window opened and they had a clear view of Bob and Chaos standing on the walkway.

"And there's no window on their end?  They don't know we're watching?"

"Nope – it's called remote linking. We're patched into the P.O.'s viewing system, which means they're seein' the same thing we are.  Not many people are too fond of it."

"I can see why," Matrix said, "What about sound?"

"Coming right up, sugah."

They listened while Chaos gave his list of demands.

"Bob must really be in bad shape.  Look at him."  Mouse said.

Matrix frowned.  Wait, what's happening over there?"

The masses of bugs were suddenly moving in an erratic pattern.  It seemed as though something were stirring them into insanity. 

Then the bugs suddenly broke apart, scattered like living gems smashed against stone and poured back over the walkway, converging on the enemy forces.

"What in the net!"  Mouse said.

"Matrix," Bob's frantic voice came over the com, "Attack!"

Matrix didn't hesitate, "All forces, attack!"

***

"You!  What have you done?"  Chaos screamed.  He couldn't believe it.  It was the last thing Chaos had expected, that the Prime Guardian could control the bugs.  It wasn't possible but it was happening and he hadn't even been aware of it.

"Just punishing a traitor, that's all," Bob smirked at him.

Chaos for the first time, truly looked into the Prime Guardian's eyes and saw –

The panic that had been threatening exploded to life.  Chaos was seized with an uncontrolled trembling.  Suddenly the screaming and death cries and mayhem all around him faded into nothing.  There was only himself and –

"Dariem."

Chaos fled.  He shoved past the screaming bodies and tore the bugs off his flesh, leaving bloody gashes.  In his panicked flight, he tried to take control of them again and was almost engulfed by the hive mentality.

He was only half-aware of the battle going on above him.  All the sights and sounds faded into an incoherent hum, similar to the one he had once heard when he controlled the bugs.  I should have known Dariem would be stronger than me.

Chaos didn't know how long he had run but suddenly he realized he was alone and it was quiet.  He was in some back alley somewhere.  He didn't know exactly what sector he was in but he didn't care.  Elation buoyed him.  He had escaped!  He had actually escaped. He leaned casually against a nearby wall to rest and smiled.   Maybe there was a way to salvage this mess and save his skin.  Time to find a place to hole up and start anew.  He straightened away from the wall and started forward.

"Going somewhere, Chaos?"

Chaos froze at the sound of the familiar voice.

The silence was broken by a soft rushing noise, like leaves disturbed by a gentle wind and suddenly from out of nowhere thousands of nulls converged from all sides to surround him.  Inch by inch they tightened the circle. 

A child-like laugh began, so sweet and innocent at first, then it heightened to an insane cackle.

Melissa slipped from within the shadows.  Her mask a twisted caricature with rows of needle sharp teeth.  "You're not the only one who's a little crazy."

Chaos smiled, "It's always good to see to see you little one.  Time to have some fun, eh?"

Melissa hissed at him.  It was the last sound Chaos heard.  Her hate-deformed face was the last thing he saw before the nulls covered him and blotted out the light.

***

Matrix didn't know what was worse.  The actual fighting or watching all those people screaming in a panic.  He had little time to pay attention to the latter, as Mouse was piloting Ship in some wild maneuvers.

The forces surrounding the Principal Office were putting up a better fight then they had expected.  There apparently had been no device to destroy it.  It had all been a bluff on the part of the Chosen.

Mouse made a close pass to the force shield.  So close that her systems were disrupted and she had to struggle for control.  Then the glow from the shield was gone and both realized at the same time, the shields had been dropped.  Mouse circled around the bulb and when she came around front she said, "Now look-ee there!"

People were rushing out of the Principal Office and joining the battle.  Dot was at their lead.

"All right, Dot!"  Matrix cheered.

"Looks like she could use some help down there," Mouse said.

"Drop me off at the nearest walkway?"  Matrix graced Mouse with one of his rare genuine smiles.

***

Dot could barely keep her eyes open to watch.  She felt drained, parched and was more than willing to lay right down on the War Room floor and drift off to sleep.

Her friends weren't doing any better.

"D-dot?"  Speck's voice and the fact that he had called her Dot surprised her.

"Yes?"

"Shuttle approaching."

The vid-window indeed showed a shuttle landing on the walkway and much to everyone's shock, a familiar figure stepped out of the shuttle bay.

"Bob?"  Suddenly Dot was infused with an energy she wasn't aware she had.  "Stand ready everyone!"

The War Room staff watched as Bob and the virus spoke.  For a moment, Bob seemed defeated.  He lowered his head and closed his eyes and Dot hoped her love had a plan.  So she waited and worried.

Then outside all hell broke loose.

Dot watched as the bugs suddenly erupted across the walkways and converged on the gathered enemy.  There was a moment of numbing shock, before the Command.com went into action.

"Phong lower the shields!  Everyone grab a weapon.  Get those doors open.  It's time to kick some serious ASCII!"

***

If you had asked Bob later what he remember about that battle, he couldn't have told you anything.  When the screams had begun and Chaos and run away, Bob had started after him, only to be caught up in the fighting as it ensued.  If he did remember something, it would be the sounds of screaming voices mingled with weapons fire and the acrid smell of things burning whether it was viral bugs or sprite flesh.

He fought, and even as he did, he felt the last of his strength, the last of everything draining away.  Somewhere within all the noise and smoke, he realized that it was almost over for him.  Just a little while longer.  He had to make certain Mainframe was safe.  It was his duty.  To mend and defend.

***

Matrix's arrival basically won the battle for the Mainframers.  Those who didn't turn tail and run at the sight of him surrendered immediately.  Those who chose to continue fighting didn't fight for very long.

And if that hadn't earned them victory, the arrival of Captain Capacitor and his crew surely did.  The pirates came on zip boards and rocket cycles appropriated from their captors.  Gavin apologized later, sheepishly admitting that they had been held aboard the partially reconstructed Saucy Mare II until just a few nanos ago.

Dot stood near an open transport, which was being used as both a portable command center and a medical station.  She surveyed the scene before her as the now rallied CPU's herded the prisoners into a hastily set up stasis pen.  There was still some confusion about as the last of their enemies tried to put up a fight, but were immediately quelled by the Mainframe forces.

She saw Matrix striding hurriedly towards her and knew immediately something was wrong.

"Where's Little Enzo?"  She asked him before he even had a chance to speak.  "And I can't find Bob."

"Little Enzo is at Mr. Pearson's – he was infected by Chaos.  Melissa is with him."

"What?  We have to get him to the infirmary!"

"I tried contacting Mr. Pearson but I can't get through.  I was going to go there now but – I can't find Bob.  I lost track of him during the fighting."

For a moment the Command.com was gripped with indecision, "Where's Mouse?"

"Hunting down some of the enemy that escaped."

"Go to Enzo, please Matrix, make certain he's safe."  Dot said.  "I'll try and find Bob."

Her brother gave her a sharp nod and departed.  Dot opened a vid-window, "Phong?"

"Yes my child?"

"We need to find Bob, can you do a sensor sweep for his protocol?"

"Yes, my child, I will contact you as soon as possible."

She had to concentrate on the matter at hand.  She muttered a silent prayer that the men she loved were safe.

***

"Mr. Pearson, open up!"  Matrix banged on the door.  It was flung open violently.

"Where ye been lad?  We've got to get this boy to that virus doctor now.  I've done what I can, but I'm no doctor."

Matrix moved quickly to Enzo's bedside.  He was undoubtedly worse.  His breathing was shallow and there were splotches of red on his face and arms that were a violent contrast to his pallid skin. 

"Didn't you see the battle?"  Matrix wrapped the blanket around Enzo and once again lifted the tiny sprite into his arms.  "I'm taking him to the infirmary."

"Then I'd best go with ye," Pearson said.

"Wait, where's Melissa?"

"I don't know.  She done run off --,"

"I'm here."

Matrix and Pearson both turned to the door where Melissa stood.

"Enzo will be fine now," she said calmly. 

Matrix and Pearson exchanged a glance.  "Are you all right?"  Something in her voice disturbed him.

"Yes," she said her voice emotionless.  Then, "Please help him Matrix!  Chaos is gone, but he's still sick."

Matrix didn't question her knowledge of Chaos' demise.  His one concern was getting help for Enzo.  The help Melissa might need was beyond his capability to give.

***

"Thank the User," Dot said into the comm.  "I'm on my way there Matrix."

Mouse approached her.  The mercenary was dirty and disheveled but basically well, "Was that Matrix you were just talking to?"

"Yes, they got Enzo to the infirmary and they're contacting Rose Norton."

"What happened to Little Enzo?"

"No, you don't know do you?  Chaos infected him.  Matrix told me Chaos was deleted."

"Good thing Matrix got him."

Dot sighed, "It wasn't Matrix."

Mouse looked at her for a nano, but obviously chose not to reply, "Have we found Bob yet?"

"No, and I'm worried sick.  Phong says Bob's protocol isn't registering anywhere and that can only mean --,"

Mouse laid a comforting hand on Dot's shoulder, "It'll be all right honey.  Go to Little Enzo. I'll take care of things here and we'll find Bob."

"Thank you, Mouse," Dot couldn't resist giving her friend a hug.

***

Matrix pushed the hospital room door open gently.  He wasn't used to treading along carefully, but he didn't want to disturb Enzo if he were sleeping.  They had rushed him in immediately.  Dr. Chancery had treated him with some of medicines Rose had supplied, but he was going to contact her anyway.

AndrAIa had arrived at the infirmary along with a group of people needing treatment.  He was glad to see she had come out of the battle with minor injuries and was angry that he had not been by her side to fight.  She was now in the waiting room with Mr. Pearson and Melissa, waiting for Dot.  Despite the doctor's instructions that Enzo couldn't have visitors just yet, Matrix just had a need to see him.

He looked no better, although Dr. Chancery's prognosis had been good.  The splotches were fading, but he still looked pale.  Matrix moved quietly over to the bed and stood staring down at his young doppelganger.

"You're going to be all right.  You have to be."

As if in reply, Enzo made a noise, like a belabored sigh and Matrix saw the visible shudder pass over his body.

"Are you cold?"  Matrix didn't expect a reply.  He went to the closet and drew out an extra blanket then draped it over Enzo.  "Dot will be here soon."

Enzo groaned again and muttered something.  Matrix leaned in closer, "Enzo?"

To his complete and utter astonishment, Enzo's eyes slowly opened.  "D-dot.  I want Dot."

"She's coming," Matrix reached beneath the blanket and took Enzo's tiny hand in his own, marveling at the contrast between them.  Again he asked himself, was I really so small?  His big hands literally engulfed the little, sprite's.

"I-I'm c-cold Dot."

Matrix smiled slightly.  The Kid must be out of it to confuse him for Dot.  "I'll be right back."

Matrix stepped out of the room and searched until he found a utility closet with extra blankets.  He brought them back and draped each one over Enzo.  "Better?"

The boy shuddered and began to thrash weakly from side to side.

"Hey, come on Kid, don't do this," Matrix took his hand again.  It was like ice.

"Always cold," Enzo said.

"You're going to make me do this, aren't you?"  Matrix said.  The renegade sat down on the bed and pulled off his boots.  It came to him, how really very tired he was.  As soon as things were settled a long hot shower and about two cycles worth of downtime was in order.  Matrix slid under the blankets next to Enzo and pulled the trembling little sprite against his broad chest.  Enzo made another noise, which sounded almost like protest.  His tiny hands pushing feebly against Matrix's chest.  Enzo continued to shiver for a time, then after a few nanos, the little sprite relaxed against him.

"It's okay," Matrix said, sleep already stealing upon him, "I'm here.  Didn't I tell you everything was going to be okay?"

*

Dot cautiously entered Enzo's room a few nanos later and smiled at the sight of Matrix lying beside him; the little sprite nestled against Matrix's chest.  Both sprites were sound asleep.  Tears pooled in her eyes as she moved into the room and lifted a blanket that had been draped across a nearby chair and laid it across them both, then she kissed them each on the temple and moved from the room.

*

"Bob!"

He was there, standing next to AndrAIa.  Hexadecimal was sitting next to Melissa.  Dot briefly wondered where the chaos virus had been all this time and why hadn't she helped?

Right now, it was of little concern.  Dot crossed the waiting room quickly and caught him in a tight embrace, "Where were you?"  She looked into his eyes and saw – nothing.

Dot stepped back, "Bob?"

"I --," Bob began.

"Dot?"  Rose Norton was coming down the hall, but she halted abruptly when she saw Bob.  It was then that Dot noticed the distressed look on AndrAIa's face.

"Damn it, Bob, I want you to report to the medical center as soon as I'm done here," Rose broke the silence.

Dot saw a flicker of life in Bob's eyes, "No."

"You being a stubborn ASCII, you know that?"  Rose said, "You're heading for the third stage already.  You can barely function can't you?  I'm surprised you're not flat on your back already.  Bob, I'd be remiss in my duties if I didn't --,"

"Go see Enzo," Bob said, his tone left no room for debate.

Rose, gave him a wounded look, then strode away.

"Bob, Rose is right.  You can't go on like this," Dot said.  The look in Bob's eyes when she had first approached him, like the very life had gone out of him, terrified her. "She said you'd start the third stage soon."

"I'd like to see Enzo," Bob said quietly.

"Bob," Dot fought back tears.  Directly behind them, AndrAIa stood looking positively stricken.

"It's not too late you know," Hex spoke for the first time.

"What?"

"We can still save him, you know," Hex said.  "Really, it's quite a simple task for me."

"No!"  Dot said, she didn't want Bob to leave her either way, but she'd especially didn't want him to become that thing again.

"It is your decision my dear, but are you really willing to sacrifice him because of your fears?"

Dot stepped forward and for the first time unconcerned about Hex's power and what she might do, "I don't want him to be that – thing again!"

"And what do you want, Bob, my love?"  Hex gave him a toothy grin.

"I --,"

Movement had them all turning to find Matrix, walking towards them, his hair tousled and his clothes rumpled from his short nap, "What's going on?"

"Did Rose say how Enzo was?"  Dot asked.

"No, she and Nurse Six hustled me out of the room.  Dot, I can go see how things are going outside and let Mouse and the others know what's going on?"

"Would you Matrix?  Thank you.  We'll call you as soon as there's a change."

She turned back to Bob, "I guess all we can do now is wait."

Over Bob's shoulder, Hex shook her head.  Dot again looked in Bob's eyes and saw the last bit of life fade once again.  Dot wrapped her arms around him and squeezed him tight.  "It's will be all right," she said.  "It just has to be."

***

He was warm at last.

Enzo burrowed deep under the blankets.  He felt a lot better then he had been.  That he was certain of.  What he wasn't certain of was exactly where he was and what had happened.  The last thing he remembered was  -- no that couldn't be right.  Matrix holding him?  Keeping him warm and safe?  Talking to him?  No, it must have been a dream.

Still, as comfortable as he was, his curiosity got the better of him.  He wanted to know what was going on and he had the feeling he was missing everything.  So he forced his stiff muscles to move and turned towards the warm sun shining on his face.  He opened his eyes and the world came into focus.

"Enzo, sweetie?"

Dot sat beside him and she smiled, showing her joy and love for him.  Enzo managed a smile back.  "Hi – sis'."

"Oh sweetie," Dot gave him a fierce hug, "Welcome back."

"How long was I out?"

"Two seconds.  Rose said you would be all right but I was so worried."

"So, what'd I miss?"

Dot kissed him on the forehead, "Nothing sweetie."

"Dot, I had to have missed something!  Chaos --?"

"Deleted."

"Is Melissa all right?  Where is she?"

"She's fine.  Hex had to practically drag her away from you to get some sleep.  Poor thing was exhausted.  She never left your side.  I promised her I'd call as soon as you woke up so I'll do that in a nano."

A memory flashed brilliant in his processor, of Melissa kissing him on the lips.  He blushed.

"What's wrong, sweetie?  Your face got all red just now."

"Oh – um – nothing – where is everybody?"

"Well Matrix, AndrAIa are rounding up the last of the stragglers from the battle."

"Battle?  I missed a battle?  Geez, Dot --,"

"I'm glad you missed it," Dot said, "although I wish the circumstances had been different.  Anyway, Mouse went back to the Super Computer.  There's some trouble there now with Colonel Tempus.  Would you believe that bit-brain released the Web Alliance members?"

"Where's Bob?"

He was the one person Dot hadn't mentioned and the one Enzo wanted to know about the most.

"Sweetie --,"

"Oh no – Bob ---,"

"No, no, sweetie – it's not that but – well, the illness has taken its toll on him.  He's at his apartment now resting.  He helped at the Super Computer as much as he could but --,"

"Dot – why doesn't Bob go into the hospital like Rose told him to?"

Dot sighed and turned away but not before Enzo saw the tears well in her eyes.  Seeing her this upset always made him feel funny, like he wanted to burst into tears himself.

"He's stubborn," she said, more to herself, "And he's proud.  Sometimes I wonder if that's a good thing.  Mouse had to finally tell him he was getting in the way to get him to come home and rest."

"I – I don't want him to delete Dot."

"I know, none of us do, sweetie.  Rose took a sample of your blood in hopes that it will give her a new path to follow in finding the cure, so who knows, maybe you'll be the one to save Bob."

"I hope so Dot.  Do you think I can go see him when I get out of here?"

"Yes sweetie," Dot said, "I'm sure he would like that very much."

***

Dot let herself into Bob's apartment just as a vid-call came through.  She hurried into the living room to answer it, "Yes?  Oh, Mouse!"

"How's everything going there, sugah?"

"As well as it can.  Enzo's awake and feeling almost like his old self.  He ate two hospital dinners.  Rose says that's a good sign."

"Good, I knew he was a strong little man.  Sugah, things are up chips creek here.  Tempus is acting so smug about releasing Lynx and his crew.  Said we had nothing to hold them on.  That's what we were tryin' ta get!" 

Dot noticed Mouse's accent was more pronounced when she was upset, "So he makes no excuse about what he did?"

"None, what so ever he's acting more random than usual.  We're keepin' tabs on the members still in the Capitol.  Lynx is going on about bringin' charges against the New Collective for false arrest and unlawful detainment."

"Oh this just keeps getting better and better."

"How's Bob?"

"Well he seemed fine when I last checked but I'm just getting in.  He was laying down."

"Sugah, remember what I told you.  Don't leave him alone for long.  Whatever happened to him before, he doesn't want to happen again."

"I'll go check on him now.

"Call me if anything happens.  Ray and I are gonna continue our investigation," Mouse paused, "Sugah, I don't want to worry you but something's going on in this city.  It's gonna hit the cooling unit real soon.  What we just went through will be like changing a disk compared to what's gonna happen."

"I hope your wrong, Mouse," Dot said.

"Me too, sugah."

After Dot closed the connection, she approached Bob's – their bedroom.  The door was open but it was dark inside.

"Bob?"

There was no reply.  As her eyes adjusted to the darkness she could see him laying across the bed, one arm draped over his face.  Dot moved over to the bed and sat down, pulling off her boots as she did.  She thought that maybe he was asleep, until she turned on the light and reached for him and moved his arm and saw his eyes staring up at nothing.

"Bob?"  A note of panic came into her voice.

He made no indication that he was aware of her presence.  The look she had seen earlier, the look of emptiness had returned.

"Oh Bob," Dot reached for him and brushed a hand across his gaunt face.  He looked much worse than before, as though he had aged at least a year and he had lost an alarming amount of weight.  Dot's heart shattered at the sight of him.  She had wanted to deny it for so long how really very sick he was but in the stark light of their bedroom, she could no longer deny it.  And now Bob had slipped back into that dark place again and Dot feared she had lost him forever.

She came to a decision then.  One she hated, but one she knew was necessary.  First, she was going to keep her love to herself for a few nano's.  She wasn't sure where the idea came from but suddenly it was there.  Dot hadn't much time to finish her unpacking but she knew which suitcase held the item she sought.

It was a small leather-bound book of poems.  Dot never went anywhere without it.  It was her good luck charm.  One of the few things she had left from her past.  It was a gift from her mother, when she had been upset about something that had, in her opinion at the time, totally ruined her teenaged life.

"Bob, would you like me to read you something?"  Dot gently positioned herself next to him on the bed.  "My mother gave this to me when I was fourteen and I was upset about something that had happened to me."  She didn't want to tell him it was over a boy, and that the girl she thought was her best friend had stolen him.  "Reading some of the poems made me feel better, would you like to hear my favorite?"

When the silence stretched, Dot turned the yellowed pages carefully and began to read.  For the next millisecond, Dot read to him, never allowing the silence to build. 

Then she heard him sigh.

She looked to find tears streaming down his cheeks and her own eyes began to burn, "Oh Bob --," she reached over and wiped the tears away.  "I'm sorry, love."

Dot stayed with him, until his eyes drifted closed, then she kissed him on the lips and turned out the light making her way quietly from the bedroom.  Dot wasn't much of a drinker, but she grabbed an energy beer from the fridge before sitting down on the couch in the living room and making the vid-call she had been dreading.

After a few nano's of being transferred all across the net, Dot got through.

"Dr. Norton speaking – oh Dot."

"Hello Rose," Dot said, hoping Bob didn't hear, "Anything new?"

"I'm still waiting for the test results of Enzo's blood sample, so nothing yet."

"Well to be honest, that's not why I called."

"I had a feeling it wasn't."  Rose said.

"So you know what I need for you to do?"

"You'll take full responsibility?"

"Yes."

Rose sighed, "All right then.  We should have done this long ago, but maybe with the treatment he'll receive here, we can get his condition to improve."

Dot sighed heavily. "You know what this will do to him?  His reputation will be ruined.  The New Collective is his life."

"What's more important?"

"Then you'll take care of everything?"

"I'll start the necessary procedures and have a team come for him within a half millisecond."

"Thank you Rose."

When the connection closed Dot sat back and drained the beer bottle and long after sat there staring into nothing.

***

At first, there was nothing but darkness and silence then…

"Such a pity.  Bob the great Guardian 452, Prime Guardian of the New Collective, struck down in his youth by a viral bug."

That voice!  Bob thought.  A voice he had hoped he would never hear again. 

"Why Bob, I thought you'd be glad for my company," Daemon's voice sent a shudder of revulsion through him. "Since your beloved Dot has betrayed you."

"No, Dot would never betray me!"  Bob said.

"Oh no?"  Daemon's voice was laced with amusement.  "Listen, oh great Prime Guardian --,"

Bob opened his eyes and the room was on fire.  The flames ate at his clothes and melted his skin so intense was the heat.  Hideous impish things cavorted within the flames.  They leered at Bob with glowing eyes and pointed teeth.  Bob opened his mouth to scream and the fire rushed in and seared down his throat and burned him from the inside out.

He had to get away from this place.  He struggled to stand and gained his feet but walking was agony.  The flames licked at his ankles, skin tore away as he lifted each foot to take each step.  He half stumbled half crawled across the room and the imps laughed at him and mocked him.  He pulled himself up by the doorframe, his hands leaving bloody imprints.

Beyond the door, the air shimmered with heat but at least he had escaped the flames.  Dot was sitting on the couch, talking to someone on a vid-window.  The wavering air almost made the image of her seem not quite so real.  Didn't she see the fire?  Feel the intense heat?  How could she calmly sit there talking to --?

Bob listened.  It sounded like – it was – Rose Norton.  The longer he stood there listening, the more infuriated he became.

"Poor Bob," a new voice said, "It appears your beloved Command.com has betrayed you.  I never would have thought that of Dot."

"She --," Bob turned and even though he had recognized the voice he started back in horror, "Megabyte!"

The virus clucked his tongue, "A pity really.  How fickle is woman."

"She's not – she can't be!"

"Ah, but she is – you're hearing it with your own ears after all.  I believe the question is what shall you do to punish her?"

"Punish?"

Megabyte leaned in close and placed his face beside Bob's, "She means to ruin you – listen!  Your reputation will be in shreds.  You'll be a laughingstock."

"I won't let that happen!"

Megabyte chuckled, "Ah – good.  I knew I could count on you to do the proper thing."

Bob stepped forward.  Moving was laborious.  The air seemed to be solidifying around him. His lungs screamed for air.  And now the flames had spread around him, touching him in an almost caress.  He reached out, brushing a charred blackened finger across Dot's cheek.  She turned in that surreal slow-motion way, of nightmares.  Her eyes widened in horror and her mouth opened in a soundless scream.

Bob closed his hands around her throat.

She struggled and clawed at him, but he was stronger.  What a weak pathetic thing she was.  That's why she was going to let them ruin his life.  Dot kicked you at him and the pain only infuriated him.  The fire surrounded him know, melting flesh and bone.  He pressed harder into her throat until the blood welled, until her struggles became weaker and her eyes stared at nothing.  Then she was dissipating energy in his hands and the fire cleansed all trace of her.

"Dot --," Bob stepped back and raised his hands to his face and stared at the blood smeared across his palms.

"Well done, my boy," Megabyte said.

"No – Dot no --!"

Bob woke up, his hands reaching out for Dot.  Something was wrong.  Horribly wrong.  He could barely feel his limbs.

"Lights," Bob's voice was a hoarse croak but the room illuminated.  "Oh no."

The fire had been real.  His hands were charred, blackened.  He touched his face, couldn't feel himself doing it, realized his face was the same way.  With growing panic, Bob climbed from the bed, barely able to stand erect.  The room was as it had always been, untouched.  He looked at his hands again and the sick realization came to him.

He'd gone into the third stage.

Bob didn't move.  He stared at his hands, barely able to comprehend what was happening.  Then a moment of clarity hit him and he remembered –

"Dot!"  Bob stumbled from the room; dread filling his stomach with bile.

She was asleep on the couch, as though nothing was amiss.  It had been one of those damnable hallucinations.  But the realization brought no comfort.  What if, next time it happened--?  He remembered the incident with Mouse.  He could have deleted her.  And now with this – the final stage of the illness he knew he had little time left.  He was barely functioning as it was.  He didn't want to spend his last seconds with Dot worrying and watching him deteriorate and die.

So Bob made the only decision he thought he could.  Moving quietly, he approached the couch and spent a moment just looking at her face.  She was even more beautiful asleep he realized.  Such innocence seemed to radiate from her face.  Bob had one major regret that he couldn't be with one last time.  How he would miss her.  Could he even do this?  He'd never be able to live without her, which at this point was the best thing.  Bob kissed her on the cheek.

"Goodbye Dot, I'll always love you."

She moaned softly and it almost undid Bob's resolve.  Moving with agonizing slowness, Bob let himself out of the apartment.

***

The e-book held little interest for Phong.  Usually sitting in his favorite room, his private study, and reading soothed his troubled processor but tonight – well there was something in the very air that disturbed him.

Phong took a sip of tea and closed the book.  He sensed the presence entering the Principal Office as he sensed everything that came and went in his place and waited for his visitor to seek him out.  When it did not happen after a time, the feeling of something being wrong increased.  Phong left the study and rolled with single-minded determination down the dim corridors.  His senses led him to the portal room.  A figure stood before the portal generator clad in his silver armor, but the man Phong saw, looked nothing like the man he knew.

"Bob?"

Bob turned totally caught off caught, his hands remained poised over the portal generator controls.  Phong rolled calmly into the room, "Is there something wrong my son?"

"Look at me, Phong," Bob showed him his hands, "It's happened, the third stage."

Bob stumbled, Phong rolled forward, somehow managing to let Bob's weight fall against him without falling over himself.  "Bob!  I shall call a medical team."

"No!"  Bob knelt before him, "No more doctors, and no medicine."

"But Bob --,"

"It's not safe for me here," Bob whispered, "I'm a danger to everyone."

"What do you mean?"

Bob told him of the hallucination.  Phong gripped him by his shoulders when he finished speaking, "It was not real my son!"

"It may be real next time!"  Bob said harshly.  "Don't you understand?  I have to leave Mainframe – go away forever.  It's the only way."

"You know that is not true!"

"It's not just that Phong," Bob went on, "I – I don't want Dot to have to watch me delete.  It's better this way for everyone."

"For everyone or for yourself, my son?"

Bob took painful hold on his shoulders, "You won't stop me!"

Phong felt a calm settle over him as he faced Bob without fear.  The old sprite waited, knowing Bob would come to himself.

"I- I'm sorry Phong," Bob slid his arms around Phong's shoulders.

"I know you are, my son," Phong sighed, steeling himself for what he knew would come.

Bob placed his hands on either side of Phong's head and sent a numbing blast of his power through Phong's processor.  It was the last thing Phong remembered.

***

Something brought Dot to stark wakefulness.  At first she didn't know what it had been.  She lay there, in a fear-induced paralysis, listening.  When after a few nano's there was nothing, she forced herself to rise and immediately, rang the Principal Office.

When there was no answer, her fear rapidly increased to panic.  She tried Matrix and AndrAIa's room next.  AndrAIa answered on the first ring.

"AndrAIa --,"

"Dot we were just about to call you!"  AndrAIa said.  "You've got to get here immediately, there's been some kind of explosion and Phong isn't answering the com!"

"I'm on my way," Dot said.  She quickly closed the connection and dashed into the bedroom, "Bob --,"

She halted and her panic increased.  Bob was gone.  The only evidence he had been present was the disheveled blanket.  "Bob!"  Dot wasted precious few nano's searching for him.  He couldn't have left the apartment.  Where could he have possibly gone?

The panic deepened to dread.  "Oh no, Bob!"  And she was running.

***

It seemed to take forever to get to the Principal Office.  The floodlights pierced the darkness and the flashing lights of the CPU cars cast red and blue spots of light.  Dot was escorted in by a CPU sergeant and led down the maze of hallways until she realized they were heading for the portal generator room.

She caught sight of Matrix, standing in the doorway to the room and AndrAIa standing down the hall talking to a member of a medical team staff.  Dot approached the game sprite and halted, as she gave a small cry when she saw Phong sitting against the wall.

"Phong?"  Dot pushed through the group of people and knelt before the venerable sprite, "What happened, are you all right?"

Phong seemed somewhat dazed as he looked at her for a nano without speaking, "I – I am not certain my child.  They say the portal generator was destroyed?"

"It was?"  Dot looked to AndrAIa for confirmation.

"Sabotage looks like," AndrAIa said.  "We have a team from the Operations Center looking at it now."

"How did you get hurt Phong?"

"Again I am not sure, my child – the last thing I remember is drinking tea and sensing  --,"

He broke off and glanced at the people gathered around them, then gave Dot a long assessing look and Dot suddenly realized what happened, although she wasn't sure why.

"I need rest, my child, escort me to my quarters?"

"You really should go to the infirmary, Phong."

"No, no, my child, a nice rest and a hot cup of tea is all I need."

Against her better judgment she said, "All right Phong.  AndrAIa, would you and Matrix meet us there as soon as you're done here?"

"Sure Dot."

The medical team escorted them as far as the door to Phong's study.  Dot had been in the comfortable room twice, a few seconds after Bob had been shot into the web and a few milliseconds after she thought she had lost Enzo.  It was a warm comfortable place, with a fireplace, thick carpeting and shelves lined with e-books.

The tea Phong had been drinking was there but was tepid by then.

"I'll make us a fresh pot, you sit down Phong," Dot helped him into a chair.

"It was Bob," Phong said without preamble.

"I know," Dot said, "He didn't -- hurt you did he?"

"No my child I am fine.  But I am wagering it was he who destroyed the portal generator."

"But why would he do that?"

Phong sighed and lowered his head.

"Phong?"

The door chime sounded and Dot said, rather abruptly, "Come in."

Matrix and AndrAIa entered, "All right, what's going on?"  Matrix demanded.

Phong repeated his earlier words and Matrix repeated Dot's question of, "Why would he do it?"

"To protect us," Phong said, "and to keep us from following him."

"Phong you know something, tell me what it is," Dot said.  "Please."

Phong still didn't answer immediately but eventually, he told the story.  Dot had a feeling that he still didn't tell the whole truth that the more unpleasant parts had been left out.  He told of his conversation with Bob and Bob's decision to leave Mainframe forever.

The more Phong talked, the more distressed Dot became.  "I can't believe it.  How could Bob even think that was the solution?  Didn't he know that I – that we would help him through anything?"

"The illness had carried him beyond rational thinking, my child."

"We have to find him," Dot rose from his seat, "There's no telling what he might do.  Phong, did he say where he was going?"

"He did not, but my guess would be the Super Computer."

And as always when faced with a crisis Dot took action, "We can contact them from the War Room.  Matrix, AndrAIa, I hate to ask you this but could you go to Hex's Lair?  She's the only one that can open a portal to the Super Computer."

"We'll stop at the infirmary and get the Kid, he would probably have a better chance of getting in there, besides – he'll want to know about Bob."

This time, Dot didn't argue, "All right, let's get started."

***

"I was afraid this would happen," Rose said, "Bob destroyed the portal generator?"

"Yes and we need to find him immediately," Dot sat at her desk, as she spoke with Rose through the vid-window.  She didn't want everyone knowing what had happened or the condition that Bob was in, "Mouse is doing a discreet search for him around Council Hall right now.  Rose, you must keep this in the strictest confidence.  If word should get out --,"

"I understand, but Dot --," Rose said, " -- you realize if – when we do find him, he'll have to be restrained?"

Dot flinched, "Yes, I know.  Just have things ready."

"All right."

The door opened and Phong rolled in, "Any news?"  He asked after the door closed.

"None yet.  What is everyone saying?"

"That the mysterious saboteur was probably a member of The Chosen.  Leftovers from the battle."

"Good, let them continue to think that," Dot said.  She reached over at the sound of the incoming vid-call and activated the window from the desk console.

"Dot," Mouse's face appeared on the screen.  The look on the mercenary's face spoke volumes.

"Mouse what happened, did you find him?"

"Look, Dot honey, I want you to remain calm."

"What happened Mouse?"

"He was here," Mouse said, "By the time we had gotten to him he'd sabotaged the generator on this end, then somehow, he slipped past us."

"How?"  Dot demanded, "Especially in his – she broke off when Phong laid his hand on hers – in his condition."

"Sugah, he's the Prime Guardian, this is his place.  I don't know," Now it was Mouse who worked to modify her voice.  "All I know is, he's left the Hall.  I've got them looking for him now but you know we won't be able to keep this under wraps forever."

"Try to for as long as you can," Dot said, "If we're lucky, Hex will portal us there.  I sent Matrix to the Lair."

All right, sugah," Mouse said.  "And don't worry, he can't have gotten far."

Dot closed the connection.  Phong's hand still lay atop her own.  "Do not fear my child, we will find him."

A half-millisecond later Hex portalled into her office along with Matrix, AndrAIa, Enzo and Melissa, much to Dot's consternation.  The Chaos Virus had no trouble transporting them to the Super Computer.  Mouse met them at the portal generator room.  Ray was out with a team searching for Bob.

"I told you he can't have gone far, sugah," Mouse said, "He should be somewhere nearby."

But he wasn't.  Dot went out with a team of her own, and tried to be as discreet as possible in their search but it was difficult.  After all, what possible explanation could you give for the Prime Guardian wandering the streets in the early morning hours?

By the time the first hint of dawn lightened the sky, Dot had gone from panic, to dread, to outright hysteria.

Bob was nowhere to be found.